Dongfeng Nammi Box: The New Budget EV in Europe

Introduction

Dongfeng, one of China’s leading car manufacturers, has made its entry into the European market with the launch of the Nammi Box budget EV. Priced at CHF 21,990 (£19,615), this hatchback aims to compete with the popular Citroen ë-C3, which is currently one of the most affordable electric vehicles in Europe, priced at £21,035.

Italian Production Plant

In order to keep the price competitive, Dongfeng is in advanced talks with the Italian government to establish a production plant in Italy. This strategic move would enable Dongfeng to avoid the high import taxes imposed on Chinese-made EVs by the European Union. Some car manufacturers face import taxes as high as 38.1%, in addition to the existing 10% import tariff.

Specifications and Features

The Nammi Box is based on Dongfeng’s own S3 platform and shares a similar size with the ë-C3, measuring 4.02m in length. It is equipped with a 42.3kWh battery, offering a claimed WLTP range of 193 miles. The electric motor delivers 94bhp of power. While a smaller 31.5kWh battery option is available in China, it is not expected to be offered in Europe.

Comparatively, the ë-C3 boasts a range of 199 miles from a 44kWh battery and features a 111bhp motor.

The interior of the Nammi Box showcases diamond-stitched white leather upholstery, with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen as the centerpiece of the dashboard. Additionally, there is a 5-inch digital instrument panel. A unique feature of the front seats is their ability to recline completely flat, allowing them to be used as makeshift beds.

Future Expansion

While there is no official information about a wider release, Dongfeng’s plans for an Italian production plant suggest a potential expansion into the broader European market. This follows the footsteps of other Chinese car giants, such as BYD, Chery, Geely, GWM, and SAIC.